Learn to Lead . . . Lead to Learn - CareerTech University

After school is out in the spring, the seven newly elected teams of state officers for Oklahoma CareerTech Student Organizations come together at CareerTech University.

This year, about 75 CTSO state officers congregated at Tulakogee Conference Center in Wagoner at CTU, designed for state officer training where state leaders plan, learn and network for the upcoming school year.

Although the event's name, presenters, location and lengths of time have changed over the years, the schedule and curriculum have been consistent.

"The purpose of CTU is to provide state officer leadership training to all seven CareerTech student organizations," said Kent Boggs, Oklahoma FFA executive secretary. "In addition to the training, the officer teams develop a better understanding of each of their fellow student organizations and how collectively they fit into and represent the entire CareerTech educational system."

These leaders worked on elevator speeches, individual and team goals, time management, organizational skills and flag raising and lowering.

The state officers leave better prepared to lead their organizations comprised of hundreds of local chapters at schools and technology centers across the state. Last year, more than 72,000 students ranging in age from sixth grade through adult were members of the co-curricular CTSOs.

The organizations and affiliated career areas are Business Professionals of America and business and information technology education; DECA and marketing education; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and family and consumer sciences education; FFA and agricultural education; HOSA and health careers education; SkillsUSA and trade and industrial education; and Technology Student Association and technology engineering.